Proverbs Chapter 19 verse 25 Holy Bible
Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, `and' he will understand knowledge.
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When blows overtake the man of pride, the simple will get sense; say sharp words to the wise, and knowledge will be made clear to him.
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Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove the intelligent, and he will understand knowledge.
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Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
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read chapter 19 in WBT
Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
read chapter 19 in WEB
A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.
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Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 25. - Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; will learn prudence, Revised Verson (comp. Proverbs 21:11; and see note on Proverbs 1:22). The scorner is hardened to all reproof, and is beyond all hope of being reformed by punishment; in his case it is retribution for outraged virtue that is sought in the penalty which he is made to pay. Τιμωρία, not κόλασις - retributive, not corrective punishment. Seeing this, the simple, who is not yet confirmed in evil, and is still open to better influences, may be led to take warning and amend his life. So St. Paul enjoins Timothy, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (1 Timothy 5:20). There is the trite adage - "Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum." "Happy theyWho from their neighbours' perils caution learn." Septuagint, "When a pestilent fellow is chastised, a fool will be cleverer (πανουργότερος) So Vulgate, Pestilente flagellato stultus sapientior erit. Reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand, knowledge. The scorner does not profit by severe punishment, but the intelligent man is improved by censure, and admonition (comp. Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12). Says the adage, "Sapientem nutu, stultum fuste (corripe)," "A nod for the wise, a stick for the fool."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(25) Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware.--For "scorner" and "simple" see note on Proverbs 1:22. Reproof is of no avail to turn the "scorner" from his evil way (Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12), punishment will also do him no good; but it may make the "simple," whose character is not yet formed for good or evil, reflect and amend. So God at first punishes sinners for their good (Amos 4:6, ff.), afterwards, when they are obdurate, as a warning to others (Amos 4:12; Deuteronomy 29:21, ff.) . . .